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Category: Staff Wellness & Benefits

Safety Tip: Heat Exhaustion

Fri, May 19, 2017 Published by

Heat exhaustion is most likely the culprit when a worker experiences an excessive loss of water and salt and is sweating profusely. Among those most prone to heat exhaustion are employees who work in hot environments such as laundry, grounds, cooks, and maintenance, or who have high blood pressure or who are elderly.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:heat-clipart-gceLkArcd

  • Nausea
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness, confusion
  • Clammy, moist skin
  • Pale or flushed complexion
  • Fast and shallow breathing
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Slightly elevated body temperature

According to the Arizona Department of Health Statistics, nearly 1,500 people in Arizona died between 1992 and 2009 from exposure to excessive natural heat due to weather conditions.

Employees working in hot environments should be trained in first-aid treatment of heat exhaustion. When workers succumb to heat exhaustion:

  • Place them in a cool, shaded or air conditioned are to rest.
  • Help them drink plenty of water or other cool non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
  • If possible, have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

thirst-1409747Some common myths about heat stress are:

  • Medications and health conditions don’t affect one’s ability to work safely in the heat. Health and medication can affect how the body handles working in high temperatures. Workers at risk in high temperatures are those who are obese and/or have diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Medications to control these ailments can affect a body’s ability to cool down.
  • Unlike heat exhaustion, there is no sweating with heat stroke. Workers suffering from heat stroke may continue to produce sweat, as well as to show symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening and must be dealt with immediately: give first-aid treatment and call 911 for medical help.
  • Using salt tablets will restore electrolytes lost to sweating. Do not use salt tablets unless a doctor approves their use. Workers should drink small amounts of water (1 cup per 15-20 minutes) to maintain good hydration. Eating regular meals and snacks provides enough salt and electrolytes to replace those lost through sweating, as long as enough water is consumed. However, drinking extreme amounts of water is harmful; workers should generally not drink more than 12 quarts (48 cups) in a 24-hour period.
  • Taking a work break in an air-condition are will ruin workers’ acclimation. Air-conditioned break areas offer an effective way to cool down.

For more information and tips on how to avoid heat exhaustion visit www.copperpoint.com and search for “Heat Stress”.

Source: CDC, NIOSH

Look Into an Eye Exam

Fri, December 16, 2016 Published by

When was the last time someone sat you down, looked deep into your eyes and measured your intraocular pressure?

That’s the pressure inside your eye. Measuring it can find early signs of glaucoma, one of several common eye disorders that can appear without much warning.

Like many health conditions, eye diseases often are easiest to treat when found early. It’s one reason why eye experts suggest regular eye examinations—and why it might be time for you to schedule one.

A good look at your eyes

A comprehensive exam at an ophthalmologist’s office can be an eye-opening experience in many ways.

People often aren’t aware that their vision could be better than it is, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). You may be surprised at how much more clearly you could be seeing.

You also might undergo some testing that literally widens your eye—or your pupils, at least. Called a dilated eye exam, it uses drops to enlarge your pupils so the doctor can more easily spot damage or eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. Keep in mind that the test can leave your vision blurry for a few hours.

Other testing you can expect during a complete eye checkup:

  • A visual field test to measure your peripheral—or side—vision.
  • A light beam shined into your eyes to check pupil constriction.
  • A visual acuity test to assess how well you see at different distances.
  • A test to check for glaucoma by measuring eye pressure.

When to schedule eye checkups

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends vision exams for children:

  • At birth. All newborns should have a basic exam. Some newborns may need additional exams based on risk factors.
  • Between 6 months and 1 year of age.
  • Between 3 and 3 1/2 years of age.
  • When they start school and any time after that when a problem is suspected.

For adults, the AAO recommends comprehensive exams to screen for eye disorders at the following intervals:

  • At least one exam between ages 20 and 29.
  • At least two exams between ages 30 and 39.
  • A baseline screening for age-related disorders at age 40. (Your eye doctor will tell you how often to come in between ages 40 and 64.)
  • A complete exam at least every two years after age 65.

The above schedule is in addition to updates for lens prescriptions or treatment for eye injuries or ongoing problems.

Your eye doctor might suggest more frequent checkups if you:

  • Have a family history of eye problems.
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • Had a previous eye injury.
  • Are an African American over age 40, which puts you at higher risk for glaucoma.

Keep your eyes healthy

There are a number of steps you can take between exams to keep your eyes healthy, according to the NEI. These include:

Ban rays. Wear protective sunglasses when outdoors. Look for shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

Go for goggles. Wear the appropriate protective eyewear when working around the house or playing high-impact sports.

Look away. Give your eyes a rest after staring at the computer or focusing on anything for a long period of time. The NEI suggests looking away into the distance for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

For more information log on to www.azblue.com.

Alternate Travel Winners – August

Fri, September 9, 2016 Published by

The August Alternate Travel numbers are in. There were 27 participants from Housekeeping, 71 participants from Dining Services, 4 participants from Laundry, and 1 participant from Nursing. That’s a total of 103 participants.

And the winners are…………

Shirley Kendrick (Laundry)

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and

Lorena Ramos (Dining)

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Congratulations to both of you. Make sure you keep turning in your forms if you walk, bike, ride the bus, ride the light rail, or carpool to work for your chance to win money!

Sun Safety Challenge Winners

Fri, September 9, 2016 Published by

The Sun Safety Challenge has come to an end. Thank you to all the participants! The winners are:

Valerie Medina who won the $100 Sunglass Hut gift card.

MEDINA,, VALERIE - PhotoShare

Andrew Moore who won the beach pop up tent.

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Mahree Morin who won the cooling towel.

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Congratulations to all three. We are currently not starting a new Wellness Challenge but they will be back soon so keep your eyes out for when we release one.

BINGO Winners

Mon, July 11, 2016 Published by

Congratulations to all of our BINGO winners from this last round that focused on Staying Hydrated!  Just a reminder – turn your Chug-A-Jug Hydration Challenge sheets in to HR the week of July 18th.  We will announce those winners at the July 21st All Staff meeting!

PERKINS,, SHAKEELA - PhotoShare

Game 1: Shakeela Perkins (Housekeeping)

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Game 2: Joe Lowe (IT)

 

Game 3: Dawn Bru (Dining)

YAZZIE,, JENNIFER - PhotoShare

Game 4: Jennifer Yazzie (Dining)

FULLER,, JACKIE - PhotoShare

Game 5: Jackie Fuller (Life Enrichment)

Congratulations again and be on the lookout for our next fun activity!

Wellness Challenge Almost Over

Mon, July 11, 2016 Published by

Did you miss picking up your Chug-A-Jug Wellness Challenge tracking sheet at our last All Staff? There’s still time! Swing by the HR office and start tracking now.Picture1

All you have to do is mark off a bottle each day you drink at least 64 ounces of water and mark off a dumbbell each day you exercise for 30 minutes. The goal is to encourage healthier habits by decreasing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and replacing them with water while also encouraging exercise.

The challenge ends on July 21st so get tracking!

cigna-logo-ogGrand prize is four tickets plus a parking pass to Wet N’ Wild Phoenix Water Park!

Want To Earn & Save Money? Participate in the Wellness Program!

Mon, July 11, 2016 Published by

B well logoDid you know that if you are on the Campus’ medical plan, you can save $335 to $670 next plan year for completing the same three items we’ve required the last several years?! All you have to do is obtain your basic biometrics (from the health fair or your doctor), complete the online health risk assessment (at www.mycigna.com), and complete a regular dental exam or cleaning (turn in the dentist statement) and you’ll receive: $25 gift card for the biometrics, $50 for the online health risk assessment, and $260 in insurance premium discounts out of your paycheck next plan year (10/1/16 to 9/30/17).  Plus, you’ll get any applicable Health Reimbursement Account rollover dollars next year! This $335 value DOUBLES if you have your spouse/domestic partner complete the same three steps!  That equates to $670 in gift cards and insurance savings for your household! Don’t leave money on the table!  Complete these steps by Friday, August 12, 2016! More details attached and hard copies will be given to the department directors for those without email to distribute.

Questions?  Please see Suzanne Aboud or Tara Bethell in Human Resources!  Let’s get healthy together!

0-Wellness Memo 2015-2016 1-Physician Verification 2015-2016 2-Health Risk Assessment Instructions 3-Dentist Verification 2015-2016 4-Gift Card Redeeming-MotivateMe

Wellness Challenge Update

Tue, July 5, 2016 Published by

Picture1Did you miss picking up your Chug-A-Jug Wellness Challenge tracking sheet at our last All Staff? There’s still time! Swing by the HR office and start tracking now.

All you have to do is mark off a bottle each day you drink at least 64 ounces of water and mark off a dumbbell each day you exercise for 30 minutes. The goal is to encourage healthier habits by decreasing the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed and replacing them with water while also encouraging exercise.

The challenge ends on July 21st so get to tracking!

cigna-logo-ogGrand prize is four tickets plus a parking pass to Wet N’ Wild Phoenix Water Park!

 

 

CIGNA Updates

Fri, June 24, 2016 Published by

Starting June 23, when you visit myCigna.com things will look different. The homepage will now look like other important Cigna websites.

And, depending on the plan(s) you have, you will now be able to move between specific plan home pages.

What won’t be different is the way you access your health plan information on myCigna. You’ll be able to find everything right where it was before.

We’re excited about the new look on myCigna. It’s just one more way we’re working to help improve your health experience.

Your Cigna team
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